I am age 53 and I spent my formative years in the West Country where I developed a deep sense of the beauty of the English landscape which is a primary motivator for me. Although I would consider myself to be an artist by nature I am, in fact, a scientist by training with degrees in Mathematics and Physics. For 25 years I worked as an IT consultant designing and developing algorithms for embedded computer systems.

Although I travelled a great deal with my occupation, however, I always maintained my interest in drawing and painting throughout that time. I am indebted to Chris Deakin, an artist/teacher in Plymouth, who many years ago opened my eyes to the importance of drawing, in particular life drawing, and the work of the Renaissance Masters. Since then I have studied the drawings and paintings of Rembrandt, David, Ingres, Seurat, Turner, Whistler, Brabizon, Melville, Russell-Flint, Lavery, The Newlyn painters, and Edward Seago to name but a few.

I am also indebted to Charlotte Stewart of Holly Farm Studios who provided a fantastic resource for artists who wished to develop and gave me the opportunity to benefit from life drawing on a regular basis.

I became a full-time artist largely because I wanted to develop the artistic side of my nature which was becoming more attractive than working in an occupation which has become dumbed down and fragmented through globalization. It was time for a change! I need to develop my art because I think it is important to create objects that feed the spirit as well as the body. What better way to live if you can be surrounded by beauty and colour; not easy but worthwhile.

My inspiration for works come from a variety of sources: the landscape, the ability that light has to transform the scene, the power and moods of nature, the human form all have the ability to inspire. This can come from the landscape itself, a fleeting light effect, even an image in the visual media might provide a departure point for some of my work.

I am inspired by the works of a great many, and there is always something new to learn, currently I love the very colourful works of Norman Smith, Laura Knight, John Miller, Colin Hayes, Fred Cuming, Diana Armfield, Bernard Dunstan, and Roy Freer.

For many years I worked in watercolour and was particularly lucky to find the courses run by Bob Kilvert at Weobley Art Centre which really gave me a very good grounding in this fascinating yet tricky medium. Since then I have moved into Pastel and Oils, both of which I love.

I do not have a conscious style as I think part of my process is to move through phases and ideas not necessarily linked to one another. It is precisely because of this working method that I do not have consistent favourite works.